The Times Record reports that the attorney for Billy Rowe Jr., 31, entered the plea Wednesday morning prior to his scheduled arraignment and that Rowe is free on $25,000 bond.

KHBS-TV reports that Rowe, of Bonanza, was not present for the hearing.

“These charges stem from a criminal investigation which was initiated after an anonymous telephone call was made to the police department on Tuesday, September 10th,” according to a news release from police, which said that Rowe was placed on paid administrative leave on Sept. 11 and resigned shortly before he was arrested Tuesday.

The newspaper reported that an affidavit for Rowe’s arrest said he met the girl while serving as a church camp counselor and that he had sex with her on five occasions.

The church was not immediately identified.

In one count, Rowe is accused of engaging in sexual activity with the girl in July while on duty as a police officer.

“He arranged for the victim to accompany him during his patrol shift in the department’s ride along program. During that shift, Rowe performed oral sex on the victim while on duty,” according to the court document.

Fort Smith police and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office investigated the allegations.

“We recognize that our personal conduct, both on and off duty, is inseparable from the professional reputation of both our officers and the department,” police said in the news release. “These complaints will be investigated as expediently and as thoroughly as possible to ensure fairness to all parties involved.”

Rowe is charged under a section of the sexual assault law that prohibits sex with a minor who is not married to the other person and the other person is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and used that position of trust or authority to have sex with that person.